Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

My question specifically referred to the Six Nations and the Heineken Cup, which the Minister intended to make free-to-air for Irish audiences. It appears he has since rowed back from his position because he is now saying that he has an open mind.

I would be grateful if he could set out the exact Government position because Ministers appear to hold conflicting views. In my opinion, this is a good idea but it has been badly thought out, if it was thought out at all. Is it the case, for example, that the former Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen, was strongly opposed to the proposal? What is the position of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport? Sitting on the fence will not help anybody but I take it that she has made a submission on the issue.

When the Taoiseach spoke about a common sense approach, he was interpreted as referring to the Six Nations but not the Heineken Cup. Is that what is meant by "common sense approach"?

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